Curious what the real total will be when you move a vehicle across border? This guide lays out the full price picture, combining transport charges, government taxes, and compliance fees into one clear total.
Readers get concise ranges for common transport options: open truck, enclosed truck, and driveaway service, with typical timelines. It also explains mandatory charges like GST, provincial sales tax, possible import duty, the RIV fee, and fixed add-ons such as the air conditioning tax and potential Gas Guzzler assessment.
The article breaks down costs for a standard sedan and a higher-value vehicle. It shows how distance, season, equipment choice, and inspections affect the final budget. Contact the company at info@bestcarshippinginc.com or (307) 288-5972 for tailored quotes and scheduling.
Key Takeaways
- Expect transport ranges: open $800–$1,000, enclosed $1,200–$1,400, driveaway $1,000–$1,800.
- Government fees include 5% GST, provincial sales tax, and RIV fee (~$341.25).
- Non‑USMCA vehicles may face a 6.1% import duty plus potential luxury or weight taxes.
- Inspections and registration add $35–$160 depending on province and vehicle class.
- Method choice affects protection, time, and final costs — match service to vehicle value.
Quick answer: current price ranges and what influences them
This quick summary gives current price bands and the main variables that move those numbers.
Typical lane estimates (USD):
- New York – Toronto (~500 miles): $800–$1,200
- Chicago – Montreal (~850 miles): $1,000–$1,500
- Los Angeles – Vancouver (~1,200 miles): $1,500–$2,200
- Miami – Calgary (~2,500 miles): $2,000–$3,500
Most shipping car quotes fall between about $800 and $3,500. Open transport is the budget standard. Enclosed service usually adds 30–50% for extra protection.
Key cost drivers at a glance
- Distance: Fuel, tolls, and driver hours scale with mileage and affect rates and transit days.
- Method: Open transport vs. enclosed; choice changes insurance exposure and final costs.
- Timing: Peak summer raises rates; winter often has better availability and lower bids.
- Fees: Brokerage ($100–$300), inspections ($100–$200), and storage ($20–$50/day) add at the end.
“Plan for transport and border fees separately. Book early to secure preferred dates and method.”
For a precise lane quote and scheduling, contact the company at info@bestcarshippinginc.com or (307) 288-5972.
how much to ship car from us to canada: build your total cost
Start with the carrier rate, then layer taxes, RIV, and provincial costs for a full tally.
Transport fee estimate: open vs. enclosed vs. driveaway
Open truck: $800–$1,000 (7–10 days). It is the most economical vehicle transport option.
Enclosed truck: $1,200–$1,400 (5–7 days). Best for high-value or classic autos.
Driveaway service: $1,000–$1,800 (3–5 days). Faster, but adds mileage and wear.
Add government charges
- GST: 5% of declared value.
- PST/HST/QST: varies by province (BC 7%, SK 6%, ON ~8% component, QC 9.975%).
- Import duty: 6.1% when USMCA rules do not apply.
- Fixed levies: A/C tax $100; Gas Guzzler $1,000–$4,000 if applicable.
RIV, inspection, and registration
RIV fee is commonly $341.25 (includes GST). Provincial inspection and registration add $35–$160 depending on province.
“Plan the transport fee first. Then layer duties, RIV, modifications, and provincial registration for an accurate total.”
| Item | Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open transport | $800–$1,000 | 7–10 days |
| Enclosed transport | $1,200–$1,400 | 5–7 days, for luxury/classics |
| RIV fee | $341.25 | Federal processing fee incl. GST |
| Modifications (DRL + speedo) | $450–$800 | Typical canadian standards work |
Example totals: A standard sedan on open transport (~$900) plus common mods ($450–$800) and RIV (~$341) usually lands near $1,700–$2,100 before provincial taxes and registration. For high-value vehicles, choose enclosed transport and budget extra for agreed-value insurance and possible luxury duty.
Questions or a tailored estimate? Contact info@bestcarshippinginc.com or (307) 288-5972.
Government taxes and duties you’ll pay at the border
Expect several mandatory levies at the border that add a predictable layer to your total transport bill.
GST and provincial charges: GST is charged at 5% of the declared value. Provincial sales frameworks vary: British Columbia 7% PST; Saskatchewan 6% PST; Manitoba 7% RST; Ontario 13% HST (8% provincial component); Quebec adds 9.975% QST on top of GST.
Import duty and rules
USMCA-origin vehicles are typically duty-exempt when documentation proves origin. Missing proof can trigger a 6.1% import duty for vehicles built outside North America.
Additional federal levies and penalties
- The air conditioning fee is a fixed $100 if equipped.
- Gas Guzzler tax: ranges from $1,000 up to $4,000 depending on L/100 km bands.
- Vehicles over 2,007 kg may face excess weight assessments.
- Luxury tax may apply for vehicles priced above $100,000 CAD; calculations cap at lesser of two common formulas.
“Keep origin documents and compliance records ready. Accurate paperwork reduces storage, re-inspection, and delay-related costs.”
RIV, inspections, and provincial registration costs
Plan the RIV step early; it ties paperwork, inspections, and the federal fee into one required milestone.
Registrar of Imported Vehicles fee and what it covers
Most imported vehicles under 15 years must complete the RIV process. The common RIV fee is $325 plus $16.25 GST, totaling $341.25.
This fee funds federal compliance checks and documentation. It coordinates required fixes and issues the final federal clearance needed before provincial plates.
Safety and emissions inspections by province
Provincial inspection rules and costs differ. Ontario’s Safety Standards Certificate runs about $60–$150.
New Brunswick inspections commonly fall near $35–$45. Alberta’s insurance inspection averages around $100.
Note: vehicles older than 15 years are exempt from RIV and many federal standards. Ontario no longer requires emissions tests for most light-duty vehicles.
Plates, renewals, and provincial registration add-ons
Registration fees range widely. Ontario examples: $60–$120. British Columbia often ranges $30–$160 with an $18 base charge. Alberta shows roughly $54–$84 plus a $9 service fee.
“Build a checklist: RIV fee, inspection appointment, and provincial registration documents to streamline plate issuance and avoid repeat visits.”
| Item | Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RIV processing fee | $341.25 | Federal compliance, includes GST |
| Provincial inspection | $35–$150 | Varies by province and scope |
| Registration / plates | $30–$160 | Depends on province, service charges may apply |
Practical tips: Pre-fit daytime running lights and a metric speedometer before inspection. Confirm provincial sales handling at registration to avoid surprise tax holds. For questions or help managing the import process, contact info@bestcarshippinginc.com or (307) 288-5972.
Choosing a transport method, timeline, and insurance
Transport choice shapes price, protection level, and days in transit. Select a transport method based on vehicle value, condition, and desired arrival time. Seasonal demand affects quotes; summer often raises rates while winter can yield lower bids.
Open transport vs. enclosed transport
Open transport is the budget option. Typical range is $800–$1,000 and transit runs about 7–10 days. It suits standard cars when weather exposure is acceptable and costs matter.
Enclosed transport adds protection and higher coverage. Expect $1,200–$1,400 and 5–7 days. Choose enclosed for classic or luxury vehicles and where debris protection and extra safety are priorities.
Driveaway and transit timing
Driveaway speeds delivery. Costs are $1,000–$1,800 with 3–5 days but add mileage and wear. Allow 5–10 days on common corridors and add buffer during peak months.
Insurance and compliance basics
Most carriers include basic cargo coverage. Confirm limits and deductibles and consider supplemental coverage for high-value vehicles. Budget $200–$500 for common canadian standards modifications like DRL or a metric cluster.
| Method | Range (USD) | Transit (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Open transport | $800–$1,000 | 7–10 |
| Enclosed transport | $1,200–$1,400 | 5–7 |
| Driveaway | $1,000–$1,800 | 3–5 |
“Ask the company about off‑peak dates and supplemental coverage to lower risks and unexpected fees.”
For tailored auto shipping advice and scheduling, contact info@bestcarshippinginc.com or (307) 288-5972.
Ship or drive? Cost, time, and wear-and-tear comparison
A side-by-side cost and risk check helps owners choose between long‑haul driving and professional transport.
Total trip math: Add fuel, lodging, meals, a wash, and a tune‑up for a DIY run. For a North Dakota–Toronto route (~2,250 km), driving often hits roughly CA$800 out of pocket.
Include depreciation and wear. Use US$0.38–$0.50 per mile (about CA$0.50 per mile) as a rule. That expense can push the real cost past a carrier quote of CA$1,000–$1,200.
When DIY makes sense — and when it does not
DIY fits short runs, flexible schedules, and when lodging is minimal. It also suits those who need immediate access to the vehicle on arrival.
Professional transport preserves mileage, reduces accident exposure, and shifts logistics to experts. That benefit matters for long routes, tight schedules, and unfamiliar roads across border.
“Run lane-specific math with current fuel and hotel rates before choosing. The smallest items add up quickly.”
| Item | DIY estimate | Carrier estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel, lodging, meals | CA$800 | Included in carrier fee |
| Depreciation / wear | CA$500–$1,125 | Preserved (vehicle miles stay low) |
| Accident & breakdown risk | Higher | Lower |
| Total practical costs | CA$1,300–$1,925 | CA$1,000–$1,200 |
- Tally all expenses before deciding; include lost time and post‑trip maintenance.
- Winter runs add safety concerns; carriers manage weather and scheduling better.
- For lane math or scheduling help, contact info@bestcarshippinginc.com or (307) 288-5972.
Conclusion
A final estimate blends carrier rates with federal and provincial charges.
Summary: Add transport, GST, provincial tax, the common RIV fee, any import duty where applicable, A/C levy, gas guzzler risk, inspection, and registration. These items form the full set of fees you will pay.
Choose open transport for most moves; pick enclosed for high‑value vehicles. Confirm paperwork early: VIN, bill of sale, recall clearance, and admissibility checks. Align RIV and inspection appointments to reduce storage and delay fees.
For written rates and lane‑specific guidance, contact Best Car Shipping Inc. at info@bestcarshippinginc.com or (307) 288-5972. A coordinator will review fees, delivery windows, and the import process.